Do You Need To Call Your Insurance Company After A Car Accident in Los Angeles?
One can get confused about what to do or not do when involved in a car accident. Being clueless during these times is natural as doing or saying the wrong things can have consequences. Car accident attorneys Los Angeles can help you to avoid making mistakes in these crucial times.
One thing that people struggle with is determining whether to call their insurance company or not. There is a myth that you do not need to call your insurance company if you believe you were not at fault in the collision. However, that is not the case. Your insurance company should be one of your first calls after an accident. Informing them about the incident is crucial, no matter whose fault.
Should You Call Your Insurance Company After A Car Accident?
Regardless of who was at fault, as soon as you find yourself involved in a car accident, you should immediately contact your insurer and inform them about it. You must report the accident to your insurance company to get the benefit of coverage on your policy. If you do not report it immediately, there are chances that they may deny your claim later.
However, when speaking to your insurer, you should watch your words, as saying a wrong line could cost you your coverage. When describing the incident, make sure you tell them that you were involved in the accident and provide general details but refrain from blaming the other party or saying something that might be used as an admission of guilt.
If the insurer asks you to provide more details on the call, politely decline. It is better to let your car accident attorney speak to the insurance company on your behalf to avoid making incorrect statements.
Additionally, there is a type of insurance that does not require you to notify your insurer. It is known as Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM). If the other party or the party at fault does not have enough insurance to cover your expenses, you can use the UM/UIM coverage.
Steps To Make A Car Insurance Claim
- Contact your insurer as soon as possible.
- Inform them about the damage.
- Talk to the police and file an FIR.
- In the FIR, make sure to record important details of the car such as brand, model, color and number, driver details, and witnesses of the accident.
- File a claim with your insurance company.
- Ask your insurance company to examine the situation and evaluate the loss.
Documents Required To Make A Claim
- Medical reports of your injuries.
- Copy of your insurance policy.
- Copy of your driving license.
- A signed and filled-up Claim Form.
- Copy of registration certificate of your car.
- Copy of FIR filed with the police.
- Estimate of the damages.
- Receipts of other damages.
